The reason for mulling the possibility of closure of komodo island was the population of Komodo dragons that was believed to be under threat from excessive tourism with mating and hatching processes obstructed. Another problem that could have been solved by closing the island is poaching of the reptiles’ prey, which includes deer, buffalo and wild boar.
According to Indonesia’s Environment and Forestry Minister Siti Nurbaya Bakar, the population of Komodo dragons on the island has been stable during the last decade and there are no signs of its decrease currently hence there is no urgent need for closure of Indonesia's prime tourist destination.
More than that, the island will get a better tourist-friendly infrastructure soon. Training camps for rangers will be set up and patrols will receive a better equipment. Besides, a research centre for Komodo dragons will be established on the island in future.
Last year, 176,000 tourists visited the Komodo National Park. Currently it is home for 1727 Komodo dragons. Only one more island in Indonesia – Rinca – can boast such a sizeable population of dragons. Rinca is inhabited by 1049 Komodo dragons as of now.
Komodo Island Will Not Close
News in Asia
Komodo Island, Indonesia will not close – Indonesia cancels plans to shut the popular island the next year regardless its previous intentions.